Multiple die group embossing arrangement for embossing machines



g 2, 1965 D. H. PEDERSEN ETAL 3,263,791

MULTIPLE DIE GROUP EMBOSSING ARRANGEMENT FOR EMBOSSING MACHINES Filed Feb. 17. 1965 INVENTORS DANE H. PEDERSEN By WILL/AM APENALUNA W ATTORNEYS United States Patent MULTIPLE DIE GROUP EMBOSSING ARRANGE- MENT FOR EMBOSSING MACHINES Dane Harald Pedersen, Moraga, and William -A. Penaluna, Pinole, Calif., assignors to Dymo Industries, Inc.,

Emeryville, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Feb. 17, 1965, Ser. No. 433,354 7 Claims. (Cl. 1976.7)'

This invention relates generally to devices for embossing various indicia on a strip of tape-like material to form labels or the like, and is more particularly directed to a multiple die group embossing arrangement for employment in such devices at materially increase the quantity of indicia embossable therewith with a single die carrying element.

Various embossing devices are well known which are arranged to feed a strip of tape-like mate-rial adjacent embossing die means which may be actuated to emboss a character in the tape. Typically, a plurality of different indicia die means are carried at circumferentially spaced positions of a character selector disk. The disk is rotatable to selectively present the different indicia die means to the strip at an embossing station of the device. Actuation of a handle, or equivalent means, then effects movement of a die actuating member into actuating engagement with the particular die means positioned at the embossing station to effect an embossment in the strip. Release of the handle then typically serves to advance the strip and place same in position for receiving the next embossment.

Heretofore, embossing devices of the type described above have employed character selector disks carrying but a single group of die means on only one face thereof. Thus, a relatively limited quantity of indicia have been embossa-ble with a given disk. Where it is required to emboss additional indicia, it has been the practice to interchangeably employ a number of disks, each having different indicia die means. Advantages are of course to be gained where provision is made to emboss all of the different indicia with the use of a single selector disk.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for facilitating the embossment of a relatively large quantity of different indicia through the employment of a single die carrying selector disk in an embossing device, irrespective of Whether the die constitutes a combination of complementary male and female members, or a die consisting of only a male or female member.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a die carrying selector disk having a plurality of groups of different indicia die means at different radii thereof, which disk is arranged for selective radial shifting relative to the embossing station of the device to position the respective groups of die means thereat such that the die means of each group may be selectively rotatably positioned at the embossing station for operative embossing engagement with the strip.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an embossing arrangement of the class described wherein groups of die means are provided on opposite faces of the selector disk and provision is made for the ready release of the disk from the device to permit convenient reversal and reinsertion of the disk in the device whereby the respective groups of die means on opposite faces of the disk may be operatively positioned at the embossing station.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an embossing arrangement of the class described which may be of relatively simple design.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set ice forth in the following description of the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawing accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by the said drawing and description may be adopted within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view with portions broken away of a portion of an embossing tool embodying the multiple die group embossing arrangement of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is .a plan view of this portion of the tool.

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of a disk shifting assembly of the arrangement.

In broad respects the multiple die group embossing arranger'nent of the present invention comprises a character selector disk which is provided with a plurality of groups of circumferentially spaced different indicia die means at different radii of the disk on at least one, and preferably both faces thereof. 'In addition, the arrangement includes means for rotatably mounting the selector disk in an embossing device and for selective translation of the disk radially thereof to varied positions with respect to an embossing station of the device. In each of these varied positions, a different one of the radially spaced groups of die means is positioned such that the die means thereof may be selectively positioned at the embossing station in response to disk rotation. Die actuating means of the embossing device may then be operated to actuate the particular die means positioned at the embossing station to produce an embossment in a strip of embossable material which is fed to the embossing station in a conventional manner. The arrangement is also preferably provided with quick release means for facilitating release of the disk from the device such that the disk may be readily turned over and replaced in operative position in the embossing device. In this manner, groups of die means on opposite faces of the disk may expeditiously positioned for selective presentation of the die means thereof to the strip at the embossing station.

Although the die means carried by the selector disk of the multiple die group embossing arrangement may be variously provided, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, in the interest of simplicity of structure, the die means are provided as diiferent indicia female dies formed in the faces of the disk and the die actuating means of the embossing device is provided as a resilient deformable element which is deformed to also function as a complementary male die when operatively engaged with any of the female dies.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, and first briefly considering the basic aspects of a generally conventional embossing tool 11 in which the multiple die group embossing arrangement is incorporated, su-ch tool will be seen to include a body member 12 having a handle member 13 pivotally connected thereto. The body member includes guide means, as generally indicated at 14, for guidinga strip 16 of embossable material longitudinally of the body member to an embossing station generally indicated at 17. The handle member 13 is arranged such that upon movement thereof towards the body member to an actuated position, a die actuating element at the embossing station, in the present instance a resilient deformable button 18, is moved into operative relation with die means, subsequently described in detail, to actuate same and effect an embossment in the tape. In addition, the tool is typically further arranged such that upon release of the handle member, feed means (not shown) advance the tape to position same to receive the next embossment.

Considering now the preferred structure of the multiple die group embossing arrangement incorporated in the tool 11, such arrangement will be seen to include a character selector disk 19 of hard plastic or the like. The disk is provided with a plurality of radially spaced groups21, 22 of circumferentially spaced different indicia female dies 23 formed in a first face thereof. Corresponding radially spaced groups 24, 26 of characters 27 are imprinted,. or otherwise provided on the second face of the disk in radial alignment with the dies. In addition a plurality of radially spaced groups 28, 29 of circumferentially spaced female dies 23 are preferably formed in the second face of the disk. Radially spaced groups 31, 32 of circumferentially spaced characters 27 corresponding to the die groups 28, 29 are then provided on the first face of the disk. The female dies 23' are preferably oriented perpendicular to radii of the disk while the characters 27 are preferably aligned with such radii. It will be thus appreciated that by virtue of the multiple group arrangement a substantial quantity of different indicia dies are carried on the single disk 19.

4 In order that the groups of dies on the disk 19 may be each selectively positioned for selective rotary presentation of the dies thereof to the actuating button 18 at the embossing station 17, the tool 11 is provided wih disk shifting means whereby the disk may be selectively shifted radially thereof and longitudinally of the body member 12 to different positions with respect to the embossing station. More particularly, there is preferably provided a bridge member 33 pivotally connected to the forward end of the body member 12 and extending longitudinally thereof in overlying spaced relation thereto to define a transverse disk receiving slot 34 therebetween. The free end of the bridge member 33 is provided with parallel transversely spaced depending hooks 36 which are outwardly engageable with opposite sides of the body member. A latch pin 37 extends transversely of the body through longitudinal slots 38 in the side walls thereof. The pin is longitudinally moveable in the slots and is spring loaded to a normal position inretentive engagement with the hooks 36 to lock the bridge member in closed position. The pin may be depressed against its spring loading to a position out of engagement with the hooks to thereby release the bridge member for pivotal movement to an open position.

A slide 39 is mounted in the lower face of the bridge member for translation longitudinally thereof and thus along the upper side of the disk receiving slot 34. In this regard, a longitudinally elongated recess 41 is formed in the lower face of the bridge member adjacent the rearward end thereof. The recess is rectangular with a reduced leading end portion 42 and outwardly stepped enlarged trailing end portion 43. The opposite side walls of the leading end portion 42 are formed with parallel longitudinally extending grooves 44. The slide 39 is then of rectangular configuration having a reduced leading portion 45 substantially conformed to the leading portion 42 of the recess, and an outwardly stepped enlarged trailing portion 46. Outwardly flared longitudinally extending flanges 47 are provided on the opposite sides of the leading portion 45 of the slide, and these flanges slideably engage the grooves 44 whereby the slide is translatable longitudinally of the recess. The trailing portion 46 of the slide is transversely slit as indicated at 48 to provide relatively thin upper and lower sections 49 and 51. The upper section 49 is relatively resilient by virtue of its relative thinness, and such resiliency is enhanced by employing a material such as plastic in the fabrication of the slide. The upper surface of section 49 is formed with'a transverse rib or ridge 52 which is engageable with a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse grooves 53, 54 formed in the base of the enlarged end portion 43 of the recess. A transverse actuating tab 56 projects upwardly from section 49 through an opening 57 extending through the top of the bridge member into the enlarged portion 43 of the rec'ess. Thus, by depressing the tab, the upper section 49 ofthe slide is likewise depressed to disengage the ridge 52 from one groove be urged forward to in turn translate the slide to a longitudinally forward position .wherein the ridge engages the other groove 54 to lock the slide in position. Sim ilarly, the slide may be translated to its original rearward position upon depressing the tab while urging same rearwardly until the ridge is resiliently snapped into the groove 53.

The above described selective translation of the slide is employed to selectively position the groups of dies in the disk 19 in operative relation to the embossing station 17, and in this regard a'quadrifid cylindrical hub 58 depends from the leading portion 45 of the slide-for retentively and rotatably mounting the disk thereon. Thehub is preferably of plastic, and by virtue of the quadrifid configuration thereon is inherently resilient. Thus when a central aperture 59 of the disk is engaged with the hub, the disk is resiliently rotatably retained thereon. In addition, a spring detent 61 depends from the slide for engagement with circumferentially spaced indexing notches 62 provided in the periphery of the disk.

, The grooves 53, 54 are appropriately located such that when the slide is in rearward position with the ridge 52 engaging groove 53, the radius of either of the outermost groups 21, 28 of dies is at the embossing station 17. Whenthe slide is in forward position with the ridge engaging groove 54, the radius of either of the innermost groups 22, 29 of dies is at the embossing station. In

' addition, a selector window 63 is provided through the top of the bridge member 33 at a location such that either of the groups 24, 31 of characters are viewable through the window when the slide is in rearward position and either of the groups 26, 32 of characters are viewable when the slide is in forward position. Upon rotation of the disk, the dies of whatever group is thus positioned at the embossing station are selectively presented to the embossing station by observing the corresponding characters in the selector window 63. Upon movement of the handle member 13 to its actuated position the element 18 engages the strip 16 with the selected female die at the embossing station to thus emboss the desired character in the strip. Employment of the groups of dies on an opposite face ofthe disk is of course accomplished by opening the bridge member 33, removing the disk from the hub 58, turning the disk over and reengaging same on the hub, and closing the bridge member.

What is claimed is:

1. An embossing device comprising a body member having means for guiding a strip of embossable material to an embossing station, aselector disc having a plurality of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced different embossing indicia die means on one face thereof in confronting relation to said embossing station, said groups being radially spaced a predetermined distance one from another, die actuating means carried by said body member at said embossing station in confronting relation to said disc face, strip guide means positioned to guide said strip to the embossing station between said disk and said actuating means, a bridge member carried by said body member and overlying in confronting relation the other face of said disk, said bridge member having a longitudinal slot therein extending toward and away from said embossing station, a slide member extending through said slot rotatably engaging said disk and having a manually engageable operating portion on the side of said bridge member opposite of said disk, means for releasably securing said slide member in selected line-a1 positions relative to said bridge member, said positions being spaced from one another said predetermined distance to allow selective positioning of each of said groups at said embossing station, means for releasably securing said selector disk at predetermined circumferential positions relative to said bridging member corresponding to the different embossing indicia of each of said groups,

the face of said disc confronting said bridge member 53, whereupon the tab may having a plurality of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced characters corresponding to the indicia of said die mean on the other face thereof, said groups of characters being radially spaced said predetermined distance from one another and the characters of each group being spaced apart the same distance as the indicia of each group of die means, and said bridge member having a window therein through which a single character is viewable When the die corresponding to such character is positioned at said embossing station.

2. In an embossing device including a body member having means for guiding a strip of embossable material to an embossing station thereof, and means for actuating die means positioned at the embossing station to effect embossment of the strip thereat, the improvement comprising a selector disk having a plurality of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced different indicia die means carried on opposite faces thereof, and means for mounting mounting said disk on said body member for selective rotation and translation radially of the disk with respect to said embossing station to selectively position the respective radii of said groups thereat said disk mounting means being releasable whereby said disk may be selectively inverted so as to present said opposite faces to said embossing station.

3. An embossing device comprising a body member having means for guiding a strip of embossable material to an embossing station thereof, a selector disk having a plurality of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced different indicia female dies formed in at least one face thereof, mounting means for releasably rotatably mounting said disk on said body member, shifting means for selectively translating said mounting means radially of said disk to different positions with respect to said embossing station to dispose the respective radii of said groups thereat, a resilient deformable element, and actuating means carried by said body member and coupled to said resilient deformable element for engaging same with said female dies at said embossing station.

4. An embossing device comprising a body member having means for guiding a strip of embossable material longitudinally thereof to an embossing station, a bridge member secured to said body member and extending longitudinally thereof in overlying spaced relation to said embossing station, said bridge member and body member defining a transverse a slot therebetween, a slide mounted on the underface of said bridge member for selective translation longitudianlly thereof, a selector disk disposed in said slot and rotatably secured to said slide, said disk carrying a plurality of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced different indicia die means on at least one face thereof, and actuating means carried by said body member for actuating said die means at said embossing station.

5. An embossing device comprising an elongated body member having means for guiding a strip of embossable material longitudinally thereof to an embossing station adjacent a forward end of the body member, a handle member pivotally connected to said body member at said forward end thereof, a bridge member pivotally connected to said body member at said forward end thereof for movement between closed and open positions, said bridge member in said closed position extending longitudinally rearward of said body member in overlying spaced relation to said body member and said embossing station and defining with said body member a transverse slot, latch means for releasably locking said bridge member in said closed position, a slide mounted on the underface of said bridge member for selective translation longitudinally thereof, a selector disk disposed in said slot and releasably rotatably secured to said slide, said disk having pluralities of radially spaced groups of circumferentially spaced different indicia female dies formed inopposite faces thereof, said disk having indexing notches in the periphery thereof, a spring detent depending from said slide for engagement with said notches, actuating means including a resilient deformable element and coupled to said handle member for engagement with said female dies at said embossing station in response to movement of said handle member towards said body member to an actuated position.

6. An embossing device according to claim 5, further defined by said slide being mounted for translation in a recess extending into the underface of said bridge member, said bridge member having longitudinally spaced grooves in the base of said recess, said slide having a resilient depressible upper portion with a ridge engageable in said grooves, said bridge member having an opening extending through the top thereof into said recess, and a tab projecting from said depressible portion through said opening, said grooves positioned for engagement by said ridge when the respective radii of said groups of dies are positioned at said embossing station.

7. An embossing device according to claim 6, further defined by said bridge member having a selector window therethrough, and said disk having pluralities of radially spaced groups of characters on the faces thereof corresponding to the indicia of said dies of said groups on the opposite faces thereof, said characters viewable through said window when the dies corresponding thereto are positioned at said embossing station.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 632,136 8/1899 Moore 197607 2,300,297 10/1942 Lampson 197-6.4 2,367,313 1/1945 Reynolds et al. 101109 X 3,083,807 4/1963 Travaglio 101-29 X DAVID KLEIN, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, Examiner.

NATHANIEL A. HUMPHRIES, EDGAR S. BURR,

Assistant Examiners. 

1. AN EMBOSSING DEVICE COMPRISING A BODY MEMBER HAVING MEANS FOR GUIDING A STRIP OF EMBOSSABLE MATERIAL TO AN EMBOSSING STATION, SELECTOR DISC HAVING A PLURALITY OF RADIALLY SPACED GROUPS OF CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED DIFFERENT EMBOSSING INDICIA DIE MEANS ON ONE FACE THEREOF IN CONFRONTING RELATION TO SAID EMBOSSING STATION, SAID GROUPS BEING RADIALLY SPACED A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE ONE FROM ANOTHER, DIE ACTUATING MEANS CARRIED BY SAID BODY MEMBER AT SAID EMBOSSING STATION IN CONFRONTING RELATION TO SAID DISC FACE, STRIP GUIDE MEANS POSITIONED TO GUIDE SAID STRIP TO THE EMBOSSING STATION BETWEEN SAID DISC AND SAID ACTUATING MEANS, A BRIDGE MEMBER CARRIED BY SAID BODY MEMBER AND OVERLYING IN CONFRONTING RELATION THE OTHER FACE OF SAID DISK, SAID BRIDGE MEMBER HAVING A LONGITUDINAL SLOT THEREIN EXTENDING TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID EMBOSSING STATION, A SLIDE MEMBER EXTENDING THROUGH SAID SLOT ROTATABLY ENGAGING SAID DISK AND HAVING A MANUALLY ENGAGEABLE OPERATING PORTION ON THE SIDE OF SAID BRIDGE MEMBER OPPOSITE OF SAID DISK, MEANS FOR RELEASABLY SECURING SAID SLIDE MEMBER IN SELECTED LINEAL POSITIONS RELATIVE TO SAID BRIDGE MEMBER, SAID POSITIONS 